The Trust is again in the position of welcoming new apprentices to our teams. We recruited two new cohorts in July and September and wish them all the very best in their careers with us.

These two cohorts are spread across both sites and Eilish McLaughlin, front row, right, is based at the intermediate care beds at Brackenbed View, Halifax. Her apprentice colleagues are also based in endoscopy, surgical wards, medical wards, LDRP, ENT OPD, A&E, gynaecology OPD, rehabilitation and  ante-natal clinic.

Here Eilish tells all about her path to  her apprenticeship - via Wetherspoons!

Hello my name is… Eilish McLaughlin.  I’m an apprentice healthcare assistant in intermediate care.  I live at home with my parents, older brother and German Shepherd. I have just left Crossley Heath sixth-form after doing A-Levels in Biology, Psychology and Music.  I have deferred university for a year to complete my apprenticeship and then go on to study Nursing in Sheffield.

What is your position?  I work as an Apprentice Healthcare Assistant in intermediate care at Brackenbed View.

Tell us about your career background? Whilst at college I worked part time at Wetherspoons and other restaurants. I volunteered at a day centre for adults with learning disabilities and ran the art room at a local youth club for teenagers with learning disabilities. I only helped out at singing for the sessions run by Alzheimer’s Society.

What are the best bits about your job?
The best bit about my job is having the time to spend with patients so that they are engaged doing exercises or doing crosswords etc. Also I enjoy shadowing the professionals and learning from them.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

Seeing patients progress from admission to discharge and being able to go home with their independence.

Sum up your role in three words?

Challenging, rewarding and enjoyable.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

When I was growing up I wanted to be a paramedic.
 

Who is your hero/heroine and why?
My hero is my best friend because she is the most motivated and positive person I know.

When you are not at work how do you relax?
To relax I like to walk my dog and play guitar.

What is your favourite place?

My favourite place is by the sea.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

People would be surprised to know that I have drummed since I was six and I’m planning to take my grade 8 guitar.

Anyone wanting any more information can email VLT@CHT.nhs.uk or phone x5003, x5227, x5033